Christians, the Minority ~
It was recently published that the Christian Community is
taking over the net. I thought, "Yes! It's about time they
noticed!"
But, sadly, another report came. It said that Christians
have used the Internet to single-handedly restore the love for
poetry. But, it has not reached the lost world.
Perhaps, the Christian Community became the minority because
of our own doing. We were called to be in the world, without
being like the world, to be a testimony in the midst of them -
not to separate from opportunity to minister to the world
(Philippians 2:15), except in the event of an evil we need to
personally get away from. How can they, otherwise, hear?
Scripture makes reference to sowing beside all waters,
Isaiah 32:20.
A way that applies for writers is to submit writings to
whomever is interested (the highways and byways of the Internet),
with the exception of X-rated sites. The only reason for
eliminating those is because writings would be perverted, wherein
God wouldn't get the glory. Though, we can still sow beside
those waters, without going inside. Go to the highways and
hedges, where others dare not trod.
One way writers can compel them, via the Internet, is to
include a link to more of their writings, which will draw some to
where they can further be ministered. Utilizing your talents,
you might have other ideas.
There is neither Jew or Greek, bond or free ... red, yellow,
black or white ... Protestant, Catholic, Indian, Hindu ...
they're all trying to find their way to God. All things were
created by Him and for Him. Our God is the God of the corn, of
the wheat, of the rain ... the one in whom all
things consist! But, Jesus was an anti-religionist. He went
directly to the source because THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD.
Regardless of what another faith believes (if our writings
do not create offense), we can cross religious barriers to submit
to them ~ until we all come into unity of faith. Likewise, we
can share their non-offensive writings, because, however we
serve, it is still the same God. No one religion has all the
answers. If we separate from everything not like us, we lose the
opportunity to learn from other faiths, also.
We stand sure on what God has revealed to us, unwavering.
Though, if we keep an open mind, we just might find that there is
more to God than any of us had considered.
Another verse refers to our freedom in the inhabitable part
of the earth, Proverbs 8:31. If a site offers Halloween
stationery, it is my conviction to not download those. But, if
you want to be legal about it and dismiss the rest of their
wonderful creations, youÆll miss a blessing. God created all
things, the part that is habitable (as a testimony to Him) we can
use.
However, there was an occasion wherein I was even able to
use skeleton stationery, as it fit a writing against the hazards
of drinking. We limit God when we tell Him what He believes
before we hear it from Him. There is a habitable part.
Early Christians didn't want to give up their festive
traditions. Thus, those that could be turned into a blessing for
God were adapted, converting to Christian Holidays.
We still have that option, today. Whatever Satan meant for
evil, God means for good. If we don't see the connection of how
to use evil for good, we're free to move on. In such case, we
either aren't listening or God may not be calling us to it. But,
if we see the connection, we're free to walk in the Spirit;
following Christ.
Being that not everyone is a writer, your opportunities may
be different. We're not all called and gifted in the same way or
to the same things. But, to keep an open mind until we've heard
from God, our ministry can reach more for the Lord. That is the
key.
If you want to build a ministry that will withstand the Gates
of Hell, Seek the Master Builder.
® 2002 by Joyce C. Lock
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build
it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in
vain. Psalm 127:1
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About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.
